A former mayor has resigned as a councillor after being arrested by police investigating computer-related crime.

Peter Hooper (Lib Dem) was cabinet member for corporate services on Maidstone council.

He has also stepped down as chairman of governors at the county town's West Borough Primary School and is believed to have given up his duties as a magistrate with the central Kent bench.

It has emerged that Mr Hooper, 55, was arrested on Thursday, March 27, although details are not yet clear. He has been bailed until May 8 while further investigations are carried out.

On Friday, March 28, Mr Hooper was suspended from the Maidstone and the Weald Liberal Democrat Group. A letter of full resignation was forwarded to the council the following Sunday.

Cllr Tony Harwood (Lib Dem) has agreed to take on his duties until the Heath Ward seat is contested in the May elections.

Mr Hooper, of Abingdon Road, Barming, who is married with a family, was elected to the council in May 1987. He has been chairman of the leisure committee and the health committee. He was mayor of Maidstone in 2004-5.

A spokesman for Maidstone council said: “Cllr Peter Hooper has resigned from the council with effect from March 30 and the vacancy will be filled at the next council elections on May 1.”

FULL STORY IN THE CURRENT EDITION OF THE KENT MESSENGER